Modular Power Bus Connector for Multi-Domain Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution systems for autonomous water vehicles, such as wave-powered vehicles, face challenges in efficiently managing and distributing power to various sensors and instruments over long periods without fuel or anchor lines, and require modular and adaptable solutions to accommodate varying power needs.
Innovation Solution
The Adaptable Modular Power System (AMPS) introduces a three-line power bus with producer, consumer, and ground lines, featuring distributed AMPS modules that can be coupled to the power bus across multiple spatially separated power domains, including consumer, producer, and bridge modules, allowing for efficient power distribution and storage, and enabling easy integration of high-power sensors and instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a traditional power distribution system is used in autonomous water vehicles, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot efficiently manage and distribute power to various sensors and instruments over long periods
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is divided into modular AMPS units that can be independently configured and distributed throughout the vehicle. Each module contains power management circuitry and can operate semi-autonomously, enabling long-duration missions through distributed power management rather than a single centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution system dynamically adjusts power allocation based on real-time sensor data and instrument requirements. The system can reconfigure power flow between different vehicle components, allowing extended operational duration by optimizing power usage across the entire vehicle lifecycle.
2Productivity
If power is distributed to multiple spatially separated power domains, then power management efficiency is improved, but the connector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A universal connector design is implemented that handles multiple functions including power transmission, data communication, and domain identification through integrated circuitry. This single multi-functional connector replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate connectors, enabling efficient power distribution across multiple domains without proportionally increasing connector complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Bridge modules serve as intermediary components between different power domains, managing the complexity of inter-domain power distribution. These bridge modules abstract the complexity of multi-domain connectivity, allowing efficient power distribution while shielding other system components from the underlying connector complexity.
3Measurement precision
If high-power sensors and instruments are integrated, then the sensing and measurement capabilities are enhanced, but the power management difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Power management circuitry is distributed locally near high-power sensors and instruments rather than being centralized. Each sensor module has dedicated power management resources that can independently regulate and monitor power consumption, enabling high-precision sensing capabilities while simplifying overall power management through localized control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular AMPS modules are used across multiple power domains, then adaptability is improved, but the system configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular AMPS system implements self-configuration capabilities where modules automatically detect their position in the power domain hierarchy and configure themselves accordingly. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment during initialization, reducing configuration complexity despite high adaptability by eliminating manual setup requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
An adaptable modular power system (AMPS) is hierarchical in a number of ways. AMPS modules connect to a backplane, and one or multiple AMPS backplanes can form an AMPS domain. At the same time, the vehicle electronics is modular, with various payload boxes needing to communicate with each other. A common power and signaling cable is provided to interconnect payload boxes. A dedicated connector system is also provided so that AMPS modules may communicate, control, receive data, and supply and receive power.